DIGITAL TWINS AND PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE

Thursday, January 24, 2019

DNV GL has developed a methodology for hull condition monitoring that incorporates the use of the ship’s digital twin, a virtual model prepared during the design stage.

Combined with wave, position and sensor monitoring, it can enhance the value of predictive and preventive maintenance.

"Design models, which are also sometimes referred to as digital twins, die at birth. It is our ambition to bring these models back to life during the operational phase of an asset," said Dr Gaute Storhaug, Principal Specialist at DNV GL Maritime Advisory.

DNV GL - Maritime has been investigating new ways of calculating the wave-induced damage risk for ship hulls, using virtual analytical models as a digital twin during operation to improve the understanding and control of the long-term effects on the ship’s structural and functional components.

In addition, a digital twin can be useful for inspection and maintenance planning, while extending the ship's lifetime through preventive actions to avoid hull damages, as well as improving predictability.

Using sensor technology to capture physical effects such as deformation, vibration or temperature, combined with the ship's digital twin, makes hull condition predictions more meaningful and accurate. Such a hybrid monitoring approach can be helpful in determining the best sensor positions to ensure cost-effective instrumentation.